AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Laurence came around and opened my door as cameras flashed. He used his body to block clear images of me, and security stepped forward to keep the photographers and press back as they moved us inside.
I squeezed Laurence’s hands, and he handed me off to Wyatt. “Call me, and I’ll be right here.”
“Thank you.” A weight lifted off me, and I watched Laurence walk out. He’d become a person I could always count on—and I understood why Paul always kept him close. He kept the press at bay, but I knew I couldn’t avoid them forever. I’d need to prepare myself. But how?
Wyatt broke my trance by kissing both of my cheeks in greeting. His gaze moved over my dress approvingly. “Bonsoir, Nadia. Tu es magnifique.”
“Thank you. So are you.” He wore a single-breasted, structured black suit with minor embellishments of silk piping and extra buttons that fit his mix-textile style. We were dressed to impress, as was everyone we passed as we walked under weighted crystal chandeliers and gabled ceilings. The hotel was right out of Versailles, and I was instantly captivated as we navigated past Corinthian columns seated between French classical oil paintings and fine furnishings. It was French Baroque opulence and grandiose, pairing well with Hayden’s excessiveness displayed at his show.
As we moved through the rooms, we passed small circles of people. Some we both recognized from Givenchy. Other groups of celebrities, socialites, and elitists in the art industry were chatting above the low hum of modern instrumental music. Their eyes moved over us with a vacant warning not to approach. Or maybe I’m just feeling intimidated. When I was with Paul, he was often approached with warm smiles and good wishes. Then again, he, as a Crane, always had fame. That was his normal.
We located the other interns.
“I’m heading to Milan for a fashion shoot,” Ellie announced excitedly when we walked up. “Patrick also has news.” Ellie elbowed him, and he grinned at her.
“I’m moving to the marketing team. I have a good eye for trends and a chance at a full-time job. I’ll take that.” He repeated in English for me.
“Congratulations,” Wyatt and I enthused.
“I also have something to share,” Wyatt continued. “Hayden has offered to bring me in on a casual line.”
“But I thought you wanted to work on your own line? That’s why you took the internship in the first place,” Ellie pointed out.
Wyatt shrugged. “It’s funding. I have to go where I can work and stay visible. Every step counts.”
While I thought the internship was a huge step, I understood it wasn’t the finish line. As Professor Elan taught, ninety-nine percent of us would fail, and fashion design should only be pursued out of love and not necessity. And if a bigger opportunity comes, take it. I was instantly reminded of my reaction to Hayden earlier when he gave me an opportunity to wear his clothes at the hottest show in the industry. I had been influenced by the privileges given to me by Paul. Hayden was right; saying no is a luxury in our astronomically competitive industry.
“What about you, Nadia?”
I grinned. “I did my first fashion show today. I’m happy with that.”
“Nadia’s also doubling as a model,” Wyatt teased.
They all laughed as I posed playfully, and we chatted about what we loved about the fashion show today. Decidedly, I didn’t mention that Hayden had offered me a chance to work with him in Monaco. It seemed I had so many fortunes given to me, and hearing their news reminded me how hard it was to be a designer. My reality was so different, and if it continued, it would never be normal.
“Would you care for a drink?” a server asked, carrying glasses of white wine. We took them, along with one of the cream-filled appetizers that another waiter passing by served. I excused myself and went to the restroom. When I returned, I found them all in a new circle of people.
My eyes darted around and dread churned my stomach. On one hand, I wanted to approach, but on the other, I feared the questions that would be asked once someone learned who I was. What should I do?
A hand brushed my back, and I turned around to find Hayden. He wore a simple black suit and fitted T-shirt. His hair was gelled and parted to the side. It was a classical style, but on him it looked chic.
His blue eyes narrowed. “Why are you standing alone by the wall?”
I put on a smile. “I’m just taking it all in. It’s a lovely party.”
“It is, and you should enjoy it.” Hayden’s voice held conviction. “Why do you behave like this?” He seemed genuinely confused, but there was a commanding edge to his voice, expecting an answer.
I glanced at my hands holding the wineglass. “I’ve never been good at approaching new people.”
“That’s pitiful bullshit. You learn from practice.” Hayden placed his hand firmly on my back. “I’ll introduce you to some people you should know in Paris.”
Hayden moved to the groups I passed with Wyatt, and they opened to him like flowers in the sun. “This is Nadia Sokol. She wore my Allure dress from the Glam Collection today at the Givenchy show where she is interning. Nadia also exhibited her first showing last month in New York City.”
My eyes widened hearing the way Hayden presented me. He didn’t use Paul; he used my own achievements. As a result, I received polite handshakes and a few exchanges of my newly printed business cards that I shared with buyers, and textile and marketing representatives. Though some said, “Oh, how nice to start in Paris,” then turned to speak to the person next to them. While still others asked, “Weren’t you in Rome recently with Paul Crane?”
“Yes,” I answered politely.
“Ohh, you’re that Nadia…Hayden, your show was a triumph. When can we talk you into doing an interview? Are you going to work on the new Titan film?” I stood smiling while he answered, “Oui, Titan will be an exclusive.” They were thrilled at the news, and he’d move me to more circles. As quickly as I was introduced, I was mostly dismissed. When we stepped away from them, I deflated. “Thank you, but you don’t need to babysit me.”
